The Ultimate Hang Gliding Quiz

Among man's many achievements, the ability to fly is one that never gets old -- especially for people who hang glide. Soaring through the air and reaching daring heights is either thrilling or terrifying, depending on your point of view. Regardless of whether you're ready to take off running, sit back and test your knowledge of the next best thing to growing wings.

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Question 1 of 20

How long has the hang glider's modern shape been around?

since the Renaissance era

since the 1920s

since the 1960s

Though man's desire to take flight has been around for centuries, Francis Rogallo's wing design for NASA in the 1960s set the stage for modern hang gliding.

Question 2 of 20

Which of the following is the regulating authority for hang gliding in the U.S.?

the U.S. Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association

the U.S. Ultralight Association

the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration

Hang gliding enthusiasts can choose to become a member of various associations, but the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has the ultimate authority over when, where and how people can hang glide.

Question 3 of 20

How do pilots typically steer hang gliders?

There is no way to steer a hang glider.

They use a wheel similar to those seen in small planes.

They shift their body weight.

Despite the sport's tech-savviness in other areas, hang gliders are still controlled the old-fashioned way, by shifting your body weight.

Question 4 of 20

How do hang gliders and their pilots stay aloft?

because of hang gliders' airfoil wing shape

because of various thermal lifts and air currents

Both answers are correct.

Many factors help pilots remain in the air, but the airfoil design of the hang glider's wing, thermal lifts and air currents are the most important.

Question 5 of 20

Which of the following pieces of equipment is NOT necessary to hang glide, but is highly recommended?

a harness

a parachute

A harness is required to hang glide, and taking your hands off of the control bar to eat is not a good idea. Wearing a parachute is highly recommended for people of all ages, especially considering the dangers involved.

a snack for later

Question 6 of 20

Hang gliders' structural tubes often consist of which lightweight metal?

aluminum

Aluminum or an aluminum alloys are the most common metal of choice for hang gliders.

titanium

magnesium

Question 7 of 20

Do you need a license to hang glide?

Yes, absolutely.

No, but taking a course from a certified instructor is recommended.

No one -- regardless of age -- needs a license to hang glide, but you should probably take a class before taking off on your own. However, people must follow FAA regulations while hang gliding.

It depends on your age.

Question 8 of 20

Hang gliding is an event at which international competition?

the summer Olympics

the X Games

the World Air Games

The World Air Games, held by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, includes hang gliding as an event.

Question 9 of 20

What is the world record for the farthest straight distance traveled at one time while hang gliding?

244.2 km (around 151 miles)

700.6 km (nearly 435 miles)

Manfred Ruhmer wasn't taking a short joyride when he flew a straight distance of 700.6 kilometers in one trip.

2,584.9 km (roughly 1,605 miles)

Question 10 of 20

Which of the following skill ratings must someone have in order to become a hang gliding instructor though USHPA?

intermediate

An intermediate skill rating will get the job done, but you still have to take a written test and a Red Cross First Aid test. You must have spent a set amount of hours in the air as well.

advanced

master

Question 11 of 20

What is the fundamental difference between hang gliding and its close cousin, paragliding?